Crowder leads Marquette past Murray State, 62-53

Nancy Armour, AP National Writer

Saturday, March 17, 2012 | 4:46 p.m.

Betting line via Wynn Las Vegas: Marquette –5, covers.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Jae Crowder scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half, and Marquette used a late run to overcome Murray State 62-53 Saturday, sending the Golden Eagles to the West Regional semifinals.

Trailing 46-41 with 7:43 to play, Marquette went on a 14-2 run. While Crowder and Davante Gardner took care of the offense, scoring all but two points during the spurt, the Golden Eagles used their size and strength to wear down the pesky Racers.

Isaiah Canaan scored 16 for Murray State, (31-2) which is still looking to get out of the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. It's the second time in three years Murray State has fallen short of the regional semifinals.

Marquette (27-7) plays the winner of Norfolk State-Florida next Thursday in Phoenix.